Author and Television News Executive discusses COMBAT in Vietnam | Bill Lord 

Hi... im now 77 born in Utah 1941.... spent time in Vietnam ..{ i was a helicopter gunship pilot... later to be transferred to a field hospital recovering wounded GIs from battlefields... until a cong artillery shell blasted my copter... i was brought back home spent time in a VA hospital recovering in mind and body can never repay the staff for giving me my life back to me Thanks Guys....Edwin J Thompson.............Ed

We've reached a point where Vietnam War vets are getting old , we must document as much stories as we can.

My biological grandfather was a helicopter pilot Vietnam. He died providing ground support, saved eight passengers and dozens of ground troops, he was the only casualty in that incident.

As a combat vet I find his stories true and hard to swallow, we haven't learned our lesson 50 years after the fact

The fact that he dodged a bullet by being sent to Berlin and then volunteered to go to Vietnam out and guilty for being there while others like him were fighting to survive, thats the craziest yet bravest and honorable thing anyone could ever do. Salute to this man.

Drafted volunteered for Vietnam. “Large battle I was not involved in” clarification...Honor is strong in this gentleman.

Smartest dude in Vietnam...he used the radio perfectly to keep his unit out of a bunch of bullshit...he figured out the deal and acted on it.

He figured out they had no type of support on a bullshit war and used his position to overstate situations to keep himself and his brothers alive= GENIUS

"There was nothing to win." Memorable quote.

The person conducting the interview did a fantastic job. One of the best interviews of Vietnam veterans I've seen. Great job!

A very humble man. His honesty on the Vietnam war is heart warming and endearing. He overcame a lot of trauma and made a success of himself. Would like to read his book.

I suspect the unit he was assigned to was part of the 198th brigade which I went over with. We were loaded on three different troop ships in California and sailed together to Nam arriving late sept or early oct. He is so on spot about the 10 minute battles. The VC knew the soldiers would call in artillery as soon as the first shot was fired. So they had their escapes all planned ahead of time. Some boogied through the woods or jungle others had tunnels they slipped into. I was assigned to artillery in the north country from Oct of 67-68. The units we covered for learned to give our fire direction control office general instructions of where they would be conducting search and destroy. So FDC always knew where they were. We shifted our artillery pieces several times a day so we could rapidly drop shells to protect the units within our reach. Our 155 mm howitzers had a range of 11 miles and was incredibly accurate. Even out to 11 miles we could consistently hit an area the size of an army blanket with those 97 pound shells. We would hear the mission come in to the radio room and run to the gun. A few seconds later we were given all the critical data, we got the gun set and loaded and stood by. Less then one minute from the time of the radio call, we were given the order to fire thereby cheating the VC of a full ten minute gun battle where they had our guys pinned down. Evidently we were making life miserable for the Cong, as they began dropping mortars and later rockets on us on a regular basis trying to make us keep our heads down while they were ambushing our units in the field. So our infantry began to send out small units that went into hiding around our perimeter. Their duty was to wait silently for the VC mortar crews and blast them before they could set up and hit us. That became a cat and mouse game for the VC and our infantry. It was a hard way to fight a sneaky war. I want to add to his comments, Vietnam was not a civil war. The UN had established a north and south Vietnam with good reason. Ho Chi Minh announced his country would have a communist government. I suspect being so close to China he thought they might be nicer to him if he went communist. Many people left the north and settled in the south to avoid communism. They left behind everything they couldn't carry on their backs and had to start all over. The communists began attacking the south because they wanted to reunite both halves. So it might sound like a civil war. Problem with calling it a civil war is that millions had already voted NO with their feet when they migrated to the south. The US was asked to assist since Russia and China were both assisting the north. So the US soldiers were helping defend the people of the south from aggression. The communists used terror tactics to force the young men of the south to join them. They would threaten to kill parents or siblings and sometimes they did. My unit had an interpreter when we were at a base camp. He got stories from the local people about the attacks the VC made on the citizens. You must remember the communists are godless people who only believe in what's best for the country. They racked up war crimes as if there was no Geneva convention. So don't tell me we weren't fighting for freedom, it was for the south Vietnamese. The domino effect. That didn't happen because Russia and China were almost broke when the war ended. They couldn't afford to finance any more expansion. They wanted to begin pouring money into their nuke programs to keep up with the US. The US troops performed exceptionally well. They were brave and served with honor. At least the ones I knew of and read about. If you are a veteran of Nam, find out if your old unit has a web page and contact them. My unit started having reunions ten years ago and I'm so glad I started going to them. It was very therapeutic.

This is one selfless dude volunteering to leave comfort for a nightmare. The world needs more people with this kind of empathy.

This is one laid back dude, glad he made out and was successful.

My uncle fought in nam pre M16 the stories he told man, i respect anybody who’s every served this country black,white, etc i appreciate you all

A very humble honest man. Great interviewer. I served in Japan and Korea as a Sergeant 1968-72

WOW... 50 yrs after my time in Vietnam, he explained to me the great frustration I felt in that I abandoned my friendships from those to whom I was dependent to try to find normal.

I’ve become completely addicted to these interviews. Fascinating and essential historic documents of the ordinary fighting men in a crazy war. So many of these men are humble and honest and unflinchingly loyal to their comrades to this day. I have the utmost respect for them while hating the war they were fighting. Great men!

I was a couple years too young for Vietnam but I do remember the times.These soldiers were subjected to terrible psychological and physical conditions. On top of that they were often times hated and attacked both by those they were sent to "help", as well as by their own countrymen. Much is owed to these brave, duty bound men.

I remember the moment I walked off the 707 into the heat of Saigon! Good God this is my life for the next year?

Spot on interview. Bill, unlike many other veterans, didn't allow Vietnam to define the rest of his life. Me, too.

This was during a time when many of us believed our government with blind faith. Never again.

This guy is just all round wonderful.

This man had a guilty conscience to be with his brothers in Vietnam .....hats off to you sir much respect

Those stories are not exaggerated. I had 2 uncle's that served in Nam, and he said the same things you did, plus some more grafic stuff. In Vietnam and getting off the plane. He said it broke his heart. I love you uncle Don and Junior

Thank you for this interview. My Dad was in Vietnam. We never really talked about it, not that he wouldn't have, we just didn't think we were supposed to ask I guess... He passed away in 2013. I'm learning through letters he wrote my mother and interviews like yours. Forever thankful for your service back then, and your service now through this interview.

It all could have been avoided the Vietnam war Thank you to any veteran that served

This man is honest in what he is saying, and I was in the USMC not in the Army.

Such a well spoken and articulate gentleman. Could listen to him all day!

Sgt.Johnny R.Huff Sr. I served in Vietnam 1968 ,25th infantry Div. I was in heavy combat wounded sent home to a totally different country they throwed rocks and bottles, at us wounded on the bus we were taken to Walter Reed Military hospital. I was only 17 yrs old , I enlisted at 16 yrs old ,basically I grew up as a teenager in combat in Vietnam ! What a experience .

Somebody should have told him about protecting his stuff in water. I know the feeling. 5 of us came in the same day and were assigned to the same platoon. A platoon in 69 was not 32 plus men, more like 15 or 16. We were put on guard duty that night. We had no idea what was going on, who to call, what to do. The next morning we went on a patrol. We had no clue what was going on. We made it 10 minutes and got ambushed. Total chaos. 2 guys were killed and 2 wounded and they broke it off. I don't remember much of that 15 minutes, but I did what I was told to do. The next morning I was hit, RPG, and dusted off. Spent 11 days in the rear and sent back out. For the rest of the time I spent in the field, I helped the new guys all I could.

I asked my grandpa about his service in Vietnam and he would never tell me. He had a purple heart and spent his time on a pt boat cruising the rivers. Thats all i know.

What a wonderful interviewer and interviewee ... just pure honesty. My Dad was in Angola War (I’m In USA but he was South African army - I guess their “Vietnam War”) - his only talk when I used to ask him about his experiences was about his mates only. Just very humble and always accolades to those around him - this gentleman reminds me of him a bit! I am fortunate that I still have communication with his old army buddies since his passing - some of their stories of their mad respect for my Dad during skirmishes they were in made my hair stand up in fear - and I wasn’t even there! Super proud of the admiration his army mates had for my Dad. Thank you for your service sir!

A tour in Vietnam 50 years ago was a wake up call for me - incoming was not always from the enemy.

How refreshing. A coherent, honest, non reactive or hot-headed way. It is easy to see how these experiences would be overwhelming.

I'm English and have an interest in Vietnam. All war on the ground must be terrifying but fighting in the jungle must be somewhere near the top. You might not see what kills you. Brave men indeed.

God bless all soldiers who were in pointless wars

Thank you Bill. I was a scout gunner in a OH -13. Welcome home!

My Buddy was stationed in Alaska..........Told me the cold & darkness were unbearable .. he asked for Vietnam........an the Army helped him.. lol..

My old man was in the Berlin Brigade and meet a few prisoners in his time. I miss his stories RIP Dad.

I’m proud to call myself a radio operator because of the amazing operators before me like this man, I hope to be at least half of the man he is

Americas best young men served and died in Vietnam. God bless all those who died and may God keep them in his eternal peace.

Amazing being a young person growing up thru the 60s then ending up in Lebanon in the military myself serving with vietnam vets . God bless all military service peoples..respect & prayers to the families who lost loved ones , the real heros of our nation .

I was there in 68

Though he is calm, cheerful, joking, etc. I can still see a bit of the 100 yard stare in his eyes. Hope you are doing alright Bill.

Thank you Mr. Lord. I still can’t believe people treated you and the other Vietnam vets with such disrespect.

Young men like these. I watched my dad suffer in silence. After making it, and his little brother didn't. His best friend. Called him his "shadow", "he followed me everywhere I went". To see men like these tell these hellacious things. The best of the best.

Thank you for your service.

There is no such thing as a typical Vietnam War experience. The specific year that you were there, the area you served in, the leadership of your unit, and other factors made every combat veteran’s experience unique. Bill came home in the summer of 1968 before much of the nation turned its vitriol on the individual veterans. Things got worse for returning soldiers in the later years of the war. Guys from the unit that I served with in Vietnam have been having reunions every year for nearly two decades. It is really fun to gather with guys who you experienced the war with. The personal bonding cannot be found among many other sorts of groups.

This Bill Lord I feel like I have known Him forever!,✨ I really love His ideology of moving forward with His Life without remorse or shame! and respect that approach greatly!, ✨

Bill, you are a legend, much love from Scotland.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿♥️What a fine human being you are sir, such a decent honest man, your family are very fortunate to have you.

WOW !! Bill you are one Heck of a smart soldier. The guys with you were lucky to have you in there group. No ranbow Hollywood bs here. War is hell. Thanks for your service Bill.

Thank You Mr. Lord.......from the bottom of my heart........for using your radio to keep American Grunts alive........You SIR are a True American HERO !!

This is amazing! We too have begun to interview Vietnam and Korean veterans to capture their stories and preserve their legacy. As we interview them we noticed that a lot of them had trouble transitioning back to civilian life due to the civilians constantly calling them Baby killers. If interested watch our interviews and subscribe. We have just begun but hope to expand.

Kudos to the interviewer. He asks great questions and listens to the answers.

Great Interview salute all the veterans and the Interviewer

Guess that he just answered my question. I'm glad that he made it home in one piece and with a sound mine.

Excellent interview by this charming gentleman, very glad he made it home. All the best from the U.K.

Thank you for your service Bill 🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸

Thanks for sharing...love your story....Thank you for your service

“I used my position to keep me and friends alive” Respect sir. Decades later and he knows more about real leadership than 90% of today’s NCO’s.

50 years to late but welcome home Bill and thank you for your service. I was drafted in ‘72 for Vietnam, didn’t serve in Vietnam but did get the backlash from the locals.

Man the way he used his position to keep people alive be it frowned upon makes this guy stand up and a hero

Functional human being, intelligent, thoughtful respectful not being boastful but giving others praise, grasp the over all situation and predicament he we and our country had gotten into, thanks for your service in Vietnam and sharing your story you guy are belated heros.

Thank you for your service sir. My son has served as well as my father in two wars my dad was World War II and my son did Afghanistan in a wreck. I think it’s about time we don’t do that anymore. But thank you again for your service.

Thank you Mr, Bill for your service.

Thanks for your service Bill. I was very lucky in that period of time. The generation before and the one after me both had to deal directly with war. My Uncle was shot down by the Japanese in WW2 and killed. My Dad spent that war in a Japanese prison camp. My son served a tour in Iraq as an Army Medic. I was in the Navy from 72 -76. I had stateside shore duty because I was An Aircraft Electrician participating In the training of Navy Pilots. I was always thankful I didn't get orders over there because I don't think I could have handled it. By the same token, I am extremely Grateful to the guys that had to go. My deepest respect goes out to them.

I love how he compared the height from the helicopter to the ground as the same height of the house he grew up in.......because every guy jumped off the roof of his childhood home at least once! haha. We all know we did. Interesting interview!

Mr Bill Lord. Thank you for this record! So amazing you are

Thank you for your service to our country Mr. Lord. Welcome Home.

Thank you for your story And your service sir.

Just watching this in 21. MR. Bill is very articulate and genuine. I can't understand what he's been through. I hope he is doing well now

Great interview. Thank you for your service Bill.

I like what he said about what he would do on the radio during the war to try to save his crew. I was in the Navy (persian gulf but never under fire), I used to pull the same type of stunts. Some people love you for it, others hate you for it, it was the best decision based on the options I had at the time, you know your putting your neck on the chopping block to the chain of command, but the command didn't have the real time info and eyes on the action to make the decisions you needed to.

What a fascinating interview! Thank you for your service and for sharing your story.

Very likable guy. Good story. Thank you 🙏 for your service.

All of these interviews are a sincere treasure. We are so lucky that these veterans shared their stories and somebody else archived them for us to learn from. I haven't heard a veteran that I didn't think was a beautiful person, especially for the horror they witnessed.

Fascinating interview. To Mr. LORD and all the others who served- thank you for doing your duty.

What a well spoken person. Amazing account. Just an average guy in remarkable circumstances.

Thank you Bill for your service to our country,glad your doing well.

This guy is great !! ,he just tells his story so well.It's so honest, and so,so entertaining.. Thanks for posting..

Always had an interest in the Vietnam War, without ever having to go through anything remotely like it myself. Grateful to hear Bill's account, just bought his book.

Great interview. Welcome home Bill.

Thank you so much for your service Bill, and your willingness to tell your story!

Great interview . good interviewer , good soldier to interview ,thanks, well done...

I will never understand how these guys got through this vietnam war! My dads friend went through it and told me some stories that blew my mind!

Thank You Bill, Welcome Home !

So admirable what he did in Berlin, volunteering for Vietnam. I don't think I would have had the moral courage to do that.

I'm from Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 and I've always and still respect the veterans of that war. My father was in the Army and had an Australian Army instructor back in the 80's who served in Vietnam. He told a bit of his experiences of the war to dad because it troubled him that he couldn't keep it to himself. What a AAA interview! Truly the greatest generation 🙏.

Thank you so much for your service. I appreciate it more than you know sir.

Thanks for your service, Bill.

My late brother was a Vietnam vet. He was spit on in uniform. Not the only men I knew who was. Went in the navy in 1975. Still was a residual of that bad treatment going on. Didn’t see a positive social change till the Reagan years.

Bill, I have so many Vietnam vet friends telling me all kinds of stories, but your job as an ATO, saying you're pinned down is quite creative. Good job! And thank you for your service.

What a great interview, the man is well spoken and so humble. Thank you for your Service Sir.

Bill, much respect. Thank-you.

very humble, interesting man,thank you for your service

Thank you for taking the time to do this. This is so important to our history. I served in the USMC. Thx

Good book, great interaction with his mom via letters. Funny back and forth about a “gourmet” care package she sent. Inexpensive on Amazon, buy it, well worth it.

Thank you for your service Mr. Lord! 🇺🇸

I've had the privilege of speaking with a few Vietnam vets who hadn't even talked to their wives about this stuff but spent hours talking to me and telling me I was the first they had spoken to about it. Of course I love our Vietnam combat vets, period. I have always told all vets and anyone who would listen that it is an abomination to pick on or treat negatively a US soldier who had just been thru hell . Go kick a politician. Treat a vet with love and respect. It's just common sense. Since day one.